What Does Patriotism Have To Do With Serving God In America?

SERMON BRIEF

Date Written: July 1, 2010

Date Preached: July 4, 2010

Church: OPBC (AM)

FOUNDATIONAL ELEMENTS

Series: Special Events/Days

Title: In America, what does Patriotism have to do

with Serving God!

Text: Hebrews 12:1-2 [ESV]

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

INTRODUCTION:

Today is Independence Day, and what I want us to understand is that this holiday is so much more than just hotdogs, cook outs, swimming and fireworks.

This holiday represents our country’s foundation and it represents HOW our country was founded… rooted and established on Christian principles that are found in God’s Word!

Now liberals and those who are history revisionists will say that our nation was NOT founded on God’s Word or by those seeking to worship Jesus, but historical information proves them wrong time and time again…

Our Founding Fathers were UNAPOLOGETIC in their faith, and in the fact that the founding of this country was something God had done… it was as much a spiritual issue for them as it ever was a patriotic issue…

Let me share some very common quotes from our Founding Fathers that represent their heart…and represent the desire of this great group of men when they… LED by God formed this great nation of ours!

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religion but on the gospel of Jesus Christ."

-- Patrick Henry

"We have no government armed with power cable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our constitution was made for a moral and religious people... it is wholly inadequate to the government of any other..."

-- John Adams

When looking at our Founding Fathers, we know and understand that they were human and had their failures…as we ALL do. I recently read this about one of our Founding Fathers.

He rode among his army yesterday and admonished each and every one to fear God, to put away the wickedness that had set in and become so general, and to practice the Christian virtues.

From all appearances this gentleman does not belong to the so-called world of society, for he respects God's word, believes in the atonement through Christ and bears himself in humility and gentleness.

Therefore, the Lord God has also singularly, yes, marvelously preserved him from harm in the midst of countless perils and has hitherto graciously held him in his hand as a chosen vessel."

Of whom does the writer speak? Who is this humble gentleman who restrains evil and promotes goodness by precept and example? Have you guessed? General George Washington, a man who recognized the relationship between the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man in the affairs of state.

For instance, George Washington could say on the one hand, "It pleases the Almighty Ruler of the universe to defend the cause of these United American States, and finally to raise up a powerful Prince to establish liberty and independence upon the lasting foundation." Clear testimony to an understanding of God's lordship in the affairs of this nation.

And yet on the other hand, George Washington could pray, "Let my heart, gracious God, be so affected with the glory and majesty of Thine honor, that I may not do my own works, but wait on Thee, and discharge those weighty duties which Thou doest require of me. I acknowledge and confess my faults in the weak and imperfect performance of the duties of this day, direct my thoughts, my words and my work." A clear testimony to his understanding of his own role in the affairs of this nation.

What an encouragement to find in the heart of a national leader this understanding of the balance between the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man in matters of government.

In his farewell address to the nation after he had served two terms as President, George Washington is quoted as saying this…"Do not let anyone claim tribute of American patriotism if they even attempt to remove religion from politics."

This morning, I find great comfort and take solace in the fact that we were founded by such men as George Washington. Today as we contemplate our nation’s 234th birthday, we can rest in God's sovereignty in forming our nation, but we cannot forget our responsibility to keep this a Christian nation!